Ohio Northern University’s political science students develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in a wide variety of careers, graduate school and law school. Comprehensive curricula emphasize strong research and writing skills, the ability to effectively analyze and synthesize data and communicate findings to others. Additional majors, minors, study-abroad experiences, internships, Mock Trial or Model United Nations programs are encouraged. Advisors assist in tailoring the student's major and strengthen the student's preparation for the chosen career objectives.

Distinctive features

Faculty research and teaching interests include American Government, State and Local Politics, and International Relations, Comparative Politics, as well as courses on Interest Groups, the Electoral College, and Conflict Resolution.

The HPJ Department emphasizes writing and encourages students to present their research at professional meetings.

Recent graduates have gone to graduate school in Political Science and law school. Others have begun careers in government, public policy, and electoral politics.

Facilities

The department is located in the most historic building on Ohio Northern’s campus, Hill Memorial Building. Hill is the oldest building on campus, but it houses the latest in instructional technology, a computer laboratory and a welcoming environment for students and faculty alike. Hill is in the process of a multi-year renovation.

Professional Placement and internships

Students are introduced to ONU’s Career Services Center during their first quarter on campus and are encouraged to work closely with the Center throughout their college career to develop career strategies, résumés and summer employment. Employers value the strong research and communication skills that students who major in history, political science, international studies and social studies develop.

Outcomes

Graduates have gone on to graduate studies in history or museum studies, journalism, political science, law and public administration at institutions such as:

Case Western Reserve University

Duke University

Georgetown University

University of Michigan

William and Mary

Boston College

The Ohio State University

Career opportunities

Many ONU graduates with these majors have embarked on successful careers in government, business or secondary education.

In the spotlight

Student Achievements

Nationally competitive internships with the Justice Department, State Department, Department of Commerce, U.S. Marshals and others

Participation in undergraduate research conferences at the national and regional levels

Record of participation in high-profile programs, including Washington Center convention programs and inauguration programs

Publication in national peer-reviewed journals, including the most widely read journal in political science

Three majors served as program assistants in the Japanese-U.S. Camp

Faculty Achievements

Proven record of research through conference participation and publication (peer-reviewed publications, books, opinion-editorials)

Frequently called upon for media analysis at the local, regional, national and international levels (e.g., MSNBC, NPR, The Toledo Blade, etc.)

Service on National Boards (Mock Trial, National Liaison Advisory Board for the Washington Center, Editorial Boards)

Procuring external grant money (Over $10,000 in last five years to support student-faculty projects; grant proposals done in tandem with students)

Politics from the Hill (Publication of ONU student political science manuscripts distributed to prospective students and alumni)